{"id":58421,"date":"2025-09-16T19:33:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T17:33:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=58421"},"modified":"2025-09-16T19:33:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T17:33:49","slug":"carplay-in-ios-26-all-new-features-at-a-glance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/allgemein\/carplay-in-ios-26-alle-neuen-funktionen-im-ueberblick","title":{"rendered":"CarPlay in iOS 26: All new features at a glance"},"content":{"rendered":"

With iOS 26, Apple has released the biggest update to CarPlay in years. While recent versions have brought few real innovations, the introduction of CarPlay Ultra and numerous improvements to standard CarPlay fundamentally changes things. iOS 26 brings a fresh design, more customization options, and practical features that make everyday life in the car easier.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CarPlay has long been an integral part of modern vehicles, but in recent years it has remained a rather quiet companion. While minor adjustments have ensured stability, innovations have been scarce. With iOS 26, this trajectory is changing. Apple is focusing on a significantly expanded feature set that is visually and technically impressive. The update demonstrates how closely iPhone and cars now interact and the role CarPlay will play in the Apple ecosystem in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New \u201cLiquid Glass\u201d design and wallpapers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A central element of iOS 26 is the new look. The "Liquid Glass" design now extends to CarPlay. App icons and interface elements appear more modern, transparent, and can be customized. Three display modes are available: Standard, Dark, and Transparent, with the transparent version offering several of its own options. CarPlay also includes new wallpapers based on the iPhone design. This not only makes the interface look cleaner but also more flexible in terms of customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Widgets for CarPlay<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Widgets were previously only available in CarPlay Ultra. With iOS 26, they're finally coming to standard CarPlay. All widgets installed on the iPhone can be displayed directly in the car\u2014regardless of whether an app has CarPlay support or not. This significantly expands the range of information available: from weather and calendar to sports scores and music controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Videos in the car via AirPlay<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A practical new feature for parking is AirPlay support for videos. When the car is parked, content can be played on the vehicle display. Whether while charging an electric car, waiting for friends, or taking a break on a trip \u2013 CarPlay makes in-car entertainment more versatile. Third-party apps can also integrate this feature, so the content selection is likely to continue to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Live activities directly in the vehicle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Live activities have been a highlight on iPhone and Apple Watch for some time now. With iOS 26, they're now also coming to CarPlay. This allows you to track real-time information about flights, sporting events, deliveries, or other events. Everything displayed as a live activity on the iPhone now appears simultaneously on the car display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Improvements to messages, phone and maps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The default apps have also been adapted for CarPlay. The Messages app now supports Tapbacks, allowing you to use reactions like thumbs up or a heart directly in the car. Pinned conversations are also available, improving clarity. The Phone app now displays incoming calls in a compact view. This keeps you in view of the navigation without a call taking up the entire screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n